| Not a whole lot to say here. We both enjoy being outdoors
(walking, biking, gardening, LETTERBOXING). One of us is pretty
much up for any sport going (water sports, rock climbing, skiing,
snowboarding), and the other gravitates more toward creative
pursuits. We both have a history of working with children and
young people who have experienced deprivation and/or trauma,
and one of us still does. We love music, Ethiopian food and
our wee cat, Shaw.
We found out about letterboxing sometime in early 2004, and
were disappointed that there seemed to be precious few boxes
planted here in Scotland. Neither of us could be called accomplished
orienteerers, nor skilful carvers. Rather than waiting for
someone else to make it happen, however, we decided to do
our best to get some boxing momentum going in this bonnie
green land. At the time of writing this, we have planted eight
boxes—all with hand carved stamps and most with hand
made journals. Unfortunately, one has already gone missing.
In consulting with boxers in New Zealand and the US, the common
feedback we received has been, “If you build it, they
will come.” Prove ‘em right, eh?
There is a generosity inherent in this activity, as well
as a playfulness and sense of wonder—qualities easily
lost in the day-to-day grind of the adult world. We were struck
by the lovely connections contained within this strange and
wonderful pastime. Obvious connections, like connecting with
nature and the creative part of oneself, and the unusual way
letterboxing creates connections between strangers, many of
whom will never meet face to face. Perhaps a stronger sense
of connectedness is one important remedy for what ails us,
both as individuals walking around on this planet, and as
a human race overall.
Towanda.
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